Drip edge with compliant fastener strip and method

ABSTRACT

A drip edge and related method for building roofs includes an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shape defined by an upper flange with a forward portion protruding outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof and a generally flat rearward portion, and a lower flange disposed at an angle to the upper flange and extending vertically downwardly to cover the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia. A compliant fastener strip is connected with the rearward portion of the upper flange and extends rearwardly therefrom. The fastener strip has a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying surface of the roof, and is configured to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around the drip edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to roofing for buildings and the like, and in particular to a drip edge with a compliant fastener strip and related method.

Drip rails or edges are well known in the building industry, and typically comprise L-shaped sheet metal strips which are installed along the bottom edge of a roof to prevent rainwater and/or snow melt from leaking under the shingles or other roofing media. Without such protection around the perimeter of the building roof, capillary action between the roofing material and the roof structure, as well as high winds and other environmental conditions, will result in moisture collecting on the building structure, which ultimately results in leaks and degradation of the integrity of the roof.

One drawback associated with current drip edges is manifested during installation of the drip edge on an associated roof. Fasteners, such as nails or the like, are typically driven through the upper flange of the drip edge and into the roof underlayment to anchor the drip edge in place. As the fasteners are driven through the drip edge and into the roof structure, the normally flat shape of the upper flange becomes cupped and/or otherwise distorted, particularly in the areas around the heads of the fasteners. This distortion can be sufficiently severe to result in leakage. Also, the shank of the fastener does not normally seal well around the associated hole formed in the upper flange of the drip edge, even when the cupping and/or other distortion is not severe, thereby jeopardizing the sealing integrity of the drip edge. Accordingly, there exists the need for an improved drip edge, which addresses these concerns in a cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a building roof construction of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof. The building roof construction includes an improved drip edge, comprising an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof protruding outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof, a generally flat rearward portion thereof extending along and covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the upper flange, extending vertically downwardly from the forward edge of the upper flange and covering the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia. The drip edge further includes a compliant fastener strip operably connected with the rearward portion of the upper flange and extending rearwardly away from the upper flange. The fastener strip has a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and is adapted to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage about the drip edge.

Another aspect of the present invention is a drip edge for building constructions of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof. The drip edge includes an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof shaped to protrude outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof, a generally flat rearward portion thereof shaped to extend along and cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to the upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange and cover the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia. The drip edge further includes a compliant fastener strip operably connected with the rearward portion of the upper flange and extending rearwardly away from the upper flange. The fastener strip has a flexible construction adapted to conform with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and configured to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around the drip edge.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for roofing a building of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof. The method includes forming an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof and a generally flat rearward portion thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to the upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange. The method further includes forming a compliant fastener strip having a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and is adapted to receive fasteners therethrough. The method further includes operably connecting the fastener strip with the rearward portion of the upper flange, such that the fastener strip extends away from the upper flange. The method further includes positioning the drip edge over the bottom edge of the roof, such that the forward portion of the upper flange protrudes outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof, the flat portion of the upper flange extends along and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and the lower flange extends vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange and covers the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia. The method further includes driving fasteners through the fastener strip and into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage about the drip edge.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for making a drip edge for building roofs of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof. The method includes forming an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof and a generally flat rearward portion thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to the upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange. The method further includes forming a compliant fastener strip having a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and is adapted to receive fasteners therethrough. The method further includes operably connecting the fastener strip with the rearward portion of the upper flange, such that the fastener strip extends away from the upper flange, and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, with the lower flange extending vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange and covering the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage about the drip edge.

The drip edge and related method are efficient in use, economical to manufacture and install, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drip edge embodying the present invention, with a portion thereof broken away to reveal internal construction, shown exploded away from an associated building roof on which the drip edge is to be installed.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the drip edge.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the drip edge, shown installed on the building roof, prior to installation of associated shingles.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drip edge, shown fully installed on the building, with a portion of the shingles broken away to reveal the installed drip edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral 1 (FIGS. 1-4) generally designates a drip edge embodying the present invention. Drip edge 1 is specifically designed for building roofs, such as the illustrated roof 2, having shingles 3 (FIG. 4) overlying an upper surface 4 of roof 2, and a fascia 5 extending along a bottom edge 6 of roof 2. Drip edge 1 includes an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip portion 7 having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange 8 having a forward portion 9 protruding outwardly from the bottom edge 6 of roof 2, a generally flat rearward portion 10 extending along and covering at least a portion of the upper surface 4 of roof 2 adjacent bottom edge 6, and a lower flange 11 disposed at a predetermined angle relative to upper flange 8 and extending vertically downwardly from the forward portion 9 of upper flange 8 and covering the bottom edge 6 of roof 2 and an adjacent portion of fascia 5. Drip edge 1 further includes a compliant fastener strip portion 12, which is operably connected with the rearward portion 10 of upper flange 8, and extends rearwardly away from upper flange 8. Fastener strip 12 has a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface 4 of roof 2, and is adapted to receive fasteners 13 therethrough which extend into the roof 2 to anchor drip edge 1 in place, whereby deformation of fastener strip 12 during installation of fasteners 13 does not alter the flat shape of upper flange 8, thereby alleviating leakage about drip edge 1.

The illustrated roof 2 has a conventional construction, wherein sheets of underlayment 18 made from plywood, composite board or the like are supported on angled rafters 19. In the illustrated example, the fascia 5 is in the form of a board, which extends along the bottom edge 6 of roof 2 in a generally vertical orientation.

In the illustrated example the edge strip portion 7 of drip edge 1 has a one-piece construction, and is preferably roll formed from a strip of sheet metal, such as steel, aluminum or the like. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, edge strip 7 includes a doubled over lip 24 between upper flange 8 and lower flange 11 which forms forward portion 9. Lip 24 is configured so as to locate the forward portion 9 of drip edge 1 outwardly from the exterior face of lower flange 11, so as to direct rainwater and like away from roof 2. In the illustrated example, lower flange 11 includes a lower edge 25 which is doubled over and protrudes outwardly from the exterior face of lower flange 11 to divert rainwater away from roof 2. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, lower flange 11 is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to upper flange 8. Normally, the angle between lower flange 11 and upper flange 8 is obtuse, and is typically in the range of 90 to 100 degrees, such that lower flange 11 is oriented generally vertically along fascia 5, and upper flange 8 is angled to mate with the upper surface 4 of roof 2.

In the illustrated example, the fastener strip portion 12 of drip edge 1 is constructed from a flexible sheet containing a glass fiber material or other weather resistant compositions.

Fastener strip 12 is sufficiently compliant to mate closely with the upper surface 4 of roof 2, and is adapted to permit fasteners 13 to penetrate therethrough and into the adjacent upper surface 4 of roof 2.

The illustrated fastener strip portion 12 is attached to the lower surface of the upper flange 8 of edge strip portion 7 along the rearward portion of upper flange 8. Preferably, the connection between fastener strip portion 12 and edge strip portion 7 is continuous along drip edge 1, so as to form a seal therebetween. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a layer of adhesive 28 is disposed between the outer portion of fastener strip 12 and the inner portion of upper flange 8 to continuously adhere fastener strip 12 to edge strip 7. Adhesive 28 may comprise a polyurethane adhesive, a polyvinyl acetate adhesive, or other suitable adhesives that are weatherproof.

As noted above, the fastener strip portion 12 of drip edge 1 is formed from a flexible, compliant material, which may include a woven fiberglass scrim, layers of fiberglass or other inorganic threads or fibers. Adhesive 28 is selected particularly to securely attach the selected type of fastener strip material to the edge strip portion 7 of drip edge 1.

The edge strip portion 7 of drip edge 1 may be constructed from aluminum or other similar alloys, and can be formed by continuous roll form, stamping, press brake or other similar techniques.

In one working embodiment of the present invention, upper flange 8 has a width in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches, and may be provided in any suitable length. In the working embodiment, fastener strip 12 has a width in the range of 1.00 to 3.00 inches, and preferably around 2.00 inches, and may be provided in any suitable length corresponding to the length of edge strip 7.

In use, drip edge 1 is installed on roof 2 in the following manner. The lower flange 11 of edge strip 7 is positioned flush along the exterior surface of fascia 5 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3, with the upper flange 8 of edge strip 7 and fastener strip 12 overlying the upper surface 4 of roof 2 so that drip edge 1 covers the bottom edge 6 of roof 2 and an adjacent portion of fascia 5. Fasteners 13, such as the illustrated nails, are then driven through fastener strip 12 along the length of the same at predetermined intervals, so as to securely attach drip edge 1 to roof 2. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, as fasteners 13 are driven through fastener strip 12 and into roof 2, fastener strip 12 is cupped or otherwise deformed about the fasteners, particularly in the area of the fastener heads. Additional distortion may take place as the result of irregularities in the upper surface 4 of roof 2. However, such distortions and/or irregularities imparted to fastener strip 12 during attachment to roof 2 do not alter the flat shape of upper flange 8, thereby alleviating leakage around drip edge 1. After drip edge 1 has been attached to roof 2 in the manner noted above, roofing is installed over drip edge 1 using the illustrated shingles 3 or other suitable materials. Preferably, the first course of shingles 3 is received directly on top of and covers fastener strip 12 and at least a portion of the rearward portion 10 of upper flange 8, such that the weight of shingles 3 prevents drip edge 1 from pivoting upwardly, or otherwise shifting out of its installed position along roof 2.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

1. In a building roof construction of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of said roof, the improvement of a drip edge, comprising: an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof protruding outwardly from the bottom edge of said roof and a generally flat rearward portion thereof extending along and covering at least a portion of the upper surface of said roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle relative to said upper flange, extending vertically downwardly from said forward portion of said upper flange and covering the bottom edge of said roof and an adjacent portion of said fascia; and a compliant fastener strip operably connected with said rearward portion of said upper flange and extending rearwardly away from said upper flange; said fastener strip having a flexible construction which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of said roof, and being adapted to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into said roof to anchor said drip edge in place, whereby deformation of said fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of said upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around said drip edge.
 2. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said rearward portion of said upper flange is configured to be received directly under and abut a first course of said shingles, such that the weight of said shingles prevents said edge strip from shifting out of its installed position along said roof.
 3. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said fastener strip is constructed from a flexible sheet containing a glass fiber material.
 4. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 3, including: an adhesive attaching said fastener strip to said edge strip.
 5. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said edge strip has a one-piece construction.
 6. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said edge strip is constructed from formed sheet metal.
 7. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 6, wherein: said edge strip includes a doubled over lip at said forward portion of said upper flange which overhangs said fascia to divert rainwater away from said roof.
 8. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 7, wherein: said lower flange includes a lower edge which protrudes outwardly away from the bottom edge of the roof.
 9. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 8, wherein: said lower edge of said lower flange is doubled over.
 10. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 9, wherein: said upper flange has a width in the range of 0.5-1.50 inches.
 11. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 10, wherein: said upper flange has a width of around 1.0 inches.
 12. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 11, wherein: said predetermined angle between said upper flange and said lower flange is obtuse.
 13. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 11, wherein: said predetermined angle between said upper flange and said lower flange is in the range of 90 degrees-120 degrees.
 14. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 13, wherein: said fastener strip is constructed from a woven fiberglass scrim.
 15. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 14, wherein: said adhesive comprises a polyurethane adhesive.
 16. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 14, wherein: said adhesive comprises a polyvinyl acetate adhesive.
 17. A building roof construction as set forth in claim 14, wherein: said edge strip is constructed from roll formed aluminum.
 18. A drip edge for building roof constructions of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof, comprising: an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof shaped to protrude outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof, a generally flat rearward portion thereof shaped to extend along and cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to said upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from said forward portion of said upper flange and cover the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia; and a compliant fastener strip operably connected with said rearward portion of said upper flange and extending rearwardly away from said upper flange; said fastener strip having a flexible construction adapted to conform with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and configured to receive fasteners therethrough which extend into the roof to anchor said drip edge in place, whereby deformation of said fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of said upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around said drip edge.
 19. A drip edge as set forth in claim 18, wherein: said rearward portion of said upper flange is configured to be received directly under and abut a first course of the shingles, such that the weight of the shingles prevents said edge strip from shifting out of its installed position along the roof.
 20. A drip edge as set forth in claim 19, wherein: said fastener strip is constructed from a flexible sheet containing a glass fiber material.
 21. A drip edge as set forth in claim 20, including: an adhesive attaching said fastener strip to said edge strip.
 22. A drip edge as set forth in claim 21, wherein: said edge strip has a one-piece construction.
 23. A drip edge as set forth in claim 22, wherein: said edge strip is constructed from formed sheet metal.
 24. A drip edge as set forth in claim 23, wherein: said edge strip includes a doubled over lip at said forward portion of said upper flange which is shaped to overhang the fascia to divert rainwater away from the roof.
 25. A drip edge as set forth in claim 24, wherein: said upper flange has a width in the range of 0.5-1.50 inches.
 26. A drip edge as set forth in claim 25, wherein: said upper flange has a width of around 1.0 inches.
 27. A drip edge as set forth in claim 26, wherein: said predetermined angle between said upper flange and said lower flange is obtuse.
 28. A drip edge as set forth in claim 27, wherein: said predetermined angle between said upper flange and said lower flange is in the range of 90 degrees-120 degrees.
 29. A drip edge as set forth in claim 28, wherein: said fastener strip is constructed from a woven fiberglass scrim.
 30. A drip edge as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said adhesive comprises a polyurethane adhesive.
 31. A drip edge as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said adhesive comprises a polyvinyl acetate adhesive.
 32. A drip edge as set forth in claim 29, wherein: said edge strip is constructed from roll formed aluminum.
 33. In a method for roofing a building of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof, the improvement comprising: forming an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof and a generally flat rearward portion thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to the upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange; forming a compliant fastener strip having a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and is adapted to receive fasteners therethrough; operably connecting the fastener strip with the rearward portion of the upper flange, such that the fastener strip extends away from the upper flange; positioning the drip edge over the bottom edge of the roof, such that the forward portion of the upper flange protrudes outwardly from the bottom edge of the roof, the flat rearward portion of the upper flange extends along and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, and the lower flange extends vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange and covers the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia; and driving fasteners through the fastener strip and into the roof to anchor the drip edge in place, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around the drip edge.
 34. A method as set forth in claim 33, including: positioning a first course of shingles abuttingly on top of the rearward portion of the upper flange, such that the weight of the shingles prevents the edge strip from shifting out of its installed position along the roof.
 35. A method as set forth in claim 34, wherein: said fastener strip forming step comprises cutting the fastener strip from a sheet of flexible material containing glass fibers.
 36. A method as set forth in claim 35, wherein: said connecting step comprises continuously adhering the fastener strip to a lower surface of the upper flange along the rearward portion thereof to form a seal therebetween.
 37. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein: said edge strip forming step comprises roll forming the edge strip from aluminum sheet metal.
 38. A method as set forth in claim 37, wherein: said edge strip forming step includes roll forming a doubled over lip at the forward portion of the upper flange which overhangs the fascia to divert rainwater away from the roof.
 39. A method as set forth in claim 38, wherein: said fastener strip forming step comprises cutting the fastener strip from a sheet of woven fiberglass scrim.
 40. A method for making a drip edge for building roofs of the type having shingles overlying an upper surface of an associated roof, and a fascia extending along a bottom edge of the roof, comprising: forming an elongate, substantially rigid edge strip having a generally L-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration defined by an upper flange having a forward portion thereof and a generally flat rearward portion thereof, and a lower flange disposed at a predetermined angle to the upper flange and shaped to extend vertically downwardly from the forward portion of the upper flange; forming a compliant fastener strip having a flexible construction, which conforms with the underlying portion of the upper surface of the roof, and is adapted to receive fasteners therethrough; and operably connecting the fastener strip with the rearward portion of the upper flange, such that the fastener strip extends away from the upper flange and covers at least a portion of the upper surface of the roof adjacent the bottom edge thereof, with the lower flange extending vertically downwardly from the forward portion of said upper flange and covering the bottom edge of the roof and an adjacent portion of the fascia, whereby deformation of the fastener strip during installation of the fasteners does not alter the flat shape of the upper flange, thereby alleviating leakage around the drip edge.
 41. A method as set forth in claim 40, wherein: said fastener strip forming step comprises cutting the fastener strip from a sheet of flexible material containing glass fibers.
 42. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein: said connecting step comprises continuously adhering the fastener strip to a lower surface of the upper flange along the rearward portion thereof to form a seal therebetween.
 43. A method as set forth in claim 42, wherein: said edge strip forming step comprises forming the edge strip from sheet metal.
 44. A method as set forth in claim 43, wherein: said edge strip forming step comprises roll forming the edge strip from an elongate strip of aluminum sheet metal.
 45. A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein: said edge strip forming step includes roll forming a doubled over lip at the forward portion of the upper flange which overhangs the fascia to divert rainwater away from the roof.
 46. A method as set forth in claim 45, wherein: said fastener strip forming step comprises cutting the fastener strip from a sheet of woven fiberglass scrim. 